The real Lord of Time will always be with us...

DAVID JONES on making the best use of the time that is given to us

JUST a reminder that next weekend the clocks go back an hour as summer officially ends.

I smile every time this happens because some of our congregation always turn up an hour earlier for the Sunday morning service, or in the summer with a perplexed look meet us leaving the chapel because they’re an hour late!

The Bible speaks much about time and that there are times and seasons for every purpose, with even more emphasis on the Christian virtues of loving our neighbour and doing good with the time we are given.

From our childhood we were often encouraged not to waste time and I still have an autograph book where Miss Henshaw, my first teacher in Lakefield school, wrote the wise words: “When you’ve something to do and it’s hard to begin it, start straight away and don’t waste a minute.”

Sound advice – which I must admit I have not always kept!

As far as the last week is concerned, we saw the resignation of a Prime Minister in an amazingly short time. The new incumbent of No 10 will now have just two years before a general election to turn their party’s fortunes around – the clock is ticking!

The approaching half-term holiday will be a welcome time for children and teachers, and who would have thought the new ‘Time’ Lord Dr Who will see the return of David Tennant to the role of this most iconic character in the 100-year history of the BBC. It all has to do with time!

I wonder if we did have a time machine like Dr Who’s Tardis we would quickly transport ourselves far away from our worries and concerns. Would that be the “easy fix”?

The realities, of course, would bring us back to earth with an almighty bang.

Jesus reminded his disciples “I will be with you, even to end of all time” – and that will never change!

His earthly ministry lasted just three years and yet so many lives were changed because he took the time to love and care.

This winter, we too can make that difference when in our often-busy lives we decide that when it comes to helping those in need we “start straight away and don’t waste a minute” – thanks, Miss Henshaw!